A Kern County jury returned a verdict today, finding Arnulfo Quintana Sandoval...

A Kern County jury returned a verdict today, finding Arnulfo Quintana Sandoval guilty of evading a peace officer and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Joe L. Alindajao.

On the evening of February 10, 2025, at approximately 9:09 p.m., a California Highway Patrol officer was stopped on the right shoulder of southbound Interstate 5, north of Main Drain Road, when a dark-colored Porsche Cayenne approached at an estimated speed of 118 mph. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating his emergency lights and siren, the suspect vehicle immediately turned off all lights and accelerated away. The vehicle dangerously passed two semi-trucks on the right shoulder, traveling in excess of 100 mph.

The suspect vehicle continued southbound on I-5, reaching speeds up to 120 mph, before exiting at Rowlee Road and Buttonwillow Drive and entering a nearby neighborhood where the officer lost visual contact. The vehicle was later located parked on W 3rd Street near Buttonwillow Drive. Upon contact, Sandoval was found inside the vehicle seated on the front passenger seat displaying signs of alcohol intoxication. Sandoval was identified as the registered owner and sole occupant of the vehicle and subsequently arrested for evading a peace officer and driving under the influence.

Assistant DA Kenneth Russell commented; “In choosing to drive recklessly while under the influence, the defendant showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others. That choice has a legal consequence, one that Sandoval must now face.”

Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2025 where Sandoval faces up to three years in prison.